Note: This is a seattlepi.com reader blog. It is not written or edited by the P-I. The authors are solely responsible for content. E-mail us at newmedia@seattlepi.com if you consider a post inappropriate.

The Needs of the Occupy Wall Street Library

********************************************************************************UPDATEThe Occupy Wall Street Library has started a blog. All information regarding donations and where to send them, volunteering etc. will be contained therein.
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Welcome to the newest branch in the New York City public library system; The Liberty Square Library. The library serves the Occupy Wall Street community and is open 24hrs a day.
And like most libraries these days it is in serious need of support.

To be clear, Fagin is a librarian who “stepped forward to take responsibility for the library.” She is neither appointed or anointed. She is a volunteer who travels from her home in Brooklyn every day, she is also a mother which requires her to go home each night. She is a true hero. And she needs help!

First and foremost, more volunteers are needed to maintain and care for the library. This is a 24/7 event and hence requires round the clock support.

In addition Fagin states:

One of the biggest challenges right now is just keeping the books
dry–we had a lot of heavy rain last night & I’m a bit scared of
what I’ll find when I get there this morning. At the moment, we’re just
covering everything with tarps and garbage bags when rain threatens.

You
asked about the library’s needs. They change daily, but book donations
have been pouring in– keeping up with what we have and creating order
is a challenge. Our biggest need is for more help. We would love to have
more books in languages other than English, board games have been very
popular (risk would be nice, another chess set or two) and book repair
supplies (I’ve done some things with duct tape I’m not proud of). I
dream of those big plastic containers with lids that are water tight.

So now it’s up to us.

Here are two Twitter hashtags that can help the process: #occupywallstreetlibrary #libertysquarelibrary

As needs arise they can be posted and hopefully fulfilled. I have personally pledged some immediate financial support to address some of the most pressing needs. If you are not in the NYC region and would like to donate some of the requested items please email me at michael@bookpatrol.net and I will try and facilitate as best I can.

Note: This is a seattlepi.com reader blog. It is not written or edited by the P-I. The authors are solely responsible for content. E-mail us at newmedia@seattlepi.com if you consider a post inappropriate.